surmount
/səˈmaʊnt/ (bre, ipa) · [sɚmˈaʊnt] /sərˈmaʊnt/ (ame, ipa) · [sɚmˈaʊnt] /sər-ˈmau̇nt How to pronounce surmount (audio)/ (ame, mw)
surmount — verb
- surmountpresent simple I / you / we / they
- surmountshe / she / it
- surmountedpast simple
- surmounting-ing form
1. to successfully overcome a difficulty, problem, or obstacle — to find a way thro
to successfully overcome a difficulty, problem, or obstacle — to find a way through or past something that was blocking progress.
The team surmounted every technical obstacle and launched the rocket on schedule.
collocation: surmount + obstacle / difficulty / problem
Rania had to surmount her fear of public speaking before she could accept the promotion.
surmount + abstract noun (fear, challenge)
When the bridge collapsed, the village surmounted the crisis by building a temporary ferry.
Camille felt proud that she had finally surmounted the biggest challenge of her career.
- succumb to
opposite — to give in to a difficulty
- be defeated by
the difficulty wins instead of the person
文法句型
surmount + noun phrase (difficulty, obstacle, problem)
用法筆記
Commonly used with nouns like obstacle, difficulty, problem, challenge, hurdle, or barrier. More formal and less frequent than overcome in everyday speech.
常見錯誤
2. to occupy the highest position on a tall structure — used for statues, ornaments
to occupy the highest position on a tall structure — used for statues, ornaments, or architectural elements that sit as a crowning feature above a column, building, or similar high object.
A golden statue of a lion surmounts the entrance gate of the old palace.
active voice: [ornament] surmounts [structure]
The twelve-foot marble column was surmounted by an elegant bronze angel with outstretched wings.
formal passive: was surmounted by
Each corner of the temple roof is surmounted by a carved dragon facing outward.
Heloísa noticed the lighthouse was surmounted by a bright red lantern room.
文法句型
be surmounted by + noun phrase
surmount + noun phrase (something tall)
用法筆記
Almost always used in formal descriptions of architecture, monuments, or natural features. The passive construction (be surmounted by) is far more common than the active voice.
常見錯誤
3. to climb up to and reach the very top of a physical height such as a mountain, w
to climb up to and reach the very top of a physical height such as a mountain, wall, or ridge.
The expedition finally surmounted the icy ridge after three days of difficult climbing.
surmount + geographical feature (ridge, peak, mountain)
Reuben and his cousin were the first to surmount the ancient fortress wall with ropes.
Before sunrise, the hikers had surmounted the eastern peak and watched the valley below.
Hao trained for months to surmount the steep granite cliff at the national park.
- descend from
opposite direction — coming down from the top
文法句型
surmount + noun phrase (mountain, peak, wall)
用法筆記
This sense is uncommon in modern English; climb or scale is preferred for most everyday contexts. Surmount here carries a slightly more formal or literary tone.
常見錯誤
4. to go beyond a previous level of achievement or quality — to do better than some
to go beyond a previous level of achievement or quality — to do better than someone or something else, especially in skill or output.
Zuri's final exam score surmounted every previous record in the school's history.
surmount + record / achievement / expectation
The new smartphone's performance easily surmounted that of its closest competitor.
Folake wanted to surmount her mother's reputation as the finest surgeon in the region.
Apinya's latest novel surmounted all expectations and won the national book award.
- fall short of
to not reach a target or standard
文法句型
surmount + noun phrase (record, achievement, expectation)
用法筆記
Highly formal and somewhat literary. In most modern contexts, surpass, exceed, or outdo are more common choices. Often found in written rather than spoken English.